hlrguy
06-17-2006, 07:33 PM
As we all know, there is a whole lot of FUD out there, too hard, never works, no applications, no GUI, and on and on. I have had a lot of success getting linux into other people's hands who truly have no idea that Office != computer. I am using the latest knoppix, but only because I am used to it, any broad hardware compatible live CD will work.
Instead of extolling all the virtues, convincing them to dual boot, or whatever, I decided to take a back door approach. About 3 months ago, a friend of a friend had a tale of woe trying to get his credit restored after having his credit card and SSN stolen online. I gave my friend 2 Knoppix CDs, one for their friend, and told them, when you want to perform an online transaction, stick this in and reboot, do your bussiness and then reboot, back to normal. All I told them was that this is the only secure way to use a Windows machine online.
For both of them, knoppix "just worked" and configured their net access automatically. It is now SOP for them, and about 1/2 a dozen others, when they need security, use the magic Linux CD. I have little doubt that over time, they will explore the disk, and even if it goes no further than simply to them Linux=Online Security, I have planted the seed and exposed them to it.
I wrote a blog entry that I refer them to that describes a Live CD (moderators, if this is a no-no, please remove the link) and what it can do, how it can help them be secure. Problem is, I am running out of friends and family who aren't dual booting and already know Linux.
My end goal is to have 2 things happen. 1) Even the most die hard pro windows advocate secretly uses a Live CD because they can't truly be sure on their system and 2) a Groundswell, and eventually, it gets back to Mr Gates that millions of people use Live CDs to perform online transactions because they can't trust windows. Of course I am dreaming, but without trying you never know.
So, spread the word this way. No pressure, no changes to computer, no install and completely turn key. :D
BlogLink (http://mostly-linux.blogspot.com/2006/06/linux-live-cd-pain-free-online.html)
hlrguy
Instead of extolling all the virtues, convincing them to dual boot, or whatever, I decided to take a back door approach. About 3 months ago, a friend of a friend had a tale of woe trying to get his credit restored after having his credit card and SSN stolen online. I gave my friend 2 Knoppix CDs, one for their friend, and told them, when you want to perform an online transaction, stick this in and reboot, do your bussiness and then reboot, back to normal. All I told them was that this is the only secure way to use a Windows machine online.
For both of them, knoppix "just worked" and configured their net access automatically. It is now SOP for them, and about 1/2 a dozen others, when they need security, use the magic Linux CD. I have little doubt that over time, they will explore the disk, and even if it goes no further than simply to them Linux=Online Security, I have planted the seed and exposed them to it.
I wrote a blog entry that I refer them to that describes a Live CD (moderators, if this is a no-no, please remove the link) and what it can do, how it can help them be secure. Problem is, I am running out of friends and family who aren't dual booting and already know Linux.
My end goal is to have 2 things happen. 1) Even the most die hard pro windows advocate secretly uses a Live CD because they can't truly be sure on their system and 2) a Groundswell, and eventually, it gets back to Mr Gates that millions of people use Live CDs to perform online transactions because they can't trust windows. Of course I am dreaming, but without trying you never know.
So, spread the word this way. No pressure, no changes to computer, no install and completely turn key. :D
BlogLink (http://mostly-linux.blogspot.com/2006/06/linux-live-cd-pain-free-online.html)
hlrguy